Laverne Elizabeth Henning

Friday

May 10, 2013 at 2:00 AM

Our loving mother, Laverne Elizabeth Henning, went home to the Lord Tuesday, May 7, 2013. Laverne was born June 27, 1922 in Chicago, Ill., and as a young woman, moved with her sister to Los Angeles, California. Laverne went to work at Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank during World War II as one of the Rosie the Riveter gals and soon thereafter she met Raymond Henning and they were married in 1944 in Montrose, Calif. Laverne and her husband had 10 children in the span of 14 years and started an excavation business in Los Angeles that flourished during the population boom in the 50's and 60's.

In 1971, due to her husband's health they moved to Prospect, Ore. and purchased the Cascade Gorge Store, home of the famous Gorge Burger. Laverne was a devoted mother, a hard working woman and a true family Matriarch.

In 1978, they sold their store and relocated to Medford where they purchased the Corkscrew wine shop. In the early 80's they closed their business and Laverne became a marketing rep for Recycled Paper Greeting Cards until her retirement. Laverne recently resided at Avamere Assisted Living and was preceded in death by her husband, Ray, in 1989.

Laverne valued her Catholic faith and raised her children accordingly. She was a fabulous cook, an avid reader, and never lost her sense of humor. Laverne loved to sing and was noted of late for putting every thought into a song. She had a generous heart and was loved by all who met her. Laverne is survived by her ten children: Lori (Steve) Hawkins, Judith (Bob) Foltz, Janice (Larry) Kingery, Joyce McElmurry, Neal (Wanda) Henning, Alan Henning, Tom (Nancy) Henning, Therese (Mark Hixson) Henning, Raymond (Karla) Henning Jr., Michael (Julie) Henning and 23 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Perl Funeral Home and the service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Medford Monday, May 13, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Laverne's name to the Children's Advocacy Center of Jackson County, www.cacjc.org.